Anode



Patented June 2, 1931 UNITED STATES JULIUS BECKER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ANODE No Drawing.

The present invention or discovery relates to the electro-deposition of base and noble metals, particularly chromium, either of metal as such or as a coating, by

means of an electrolyte, an electric current, and anodes and cathodes; and it has for its object to increase the efficiency of and lower the cost of carrying out such processes and improve the quality of the work done.

This object I have attained through the discovery that an anode of silicon steel, without other change in the process of electrodeposition of chromium, will produce the desired results.

Therefore, my invention or dis3o-very may be regarded as consisting of a novel electrode possessing unusual and extremely valuable properties when used as an anode in the electro-deposition of chromium as such or as a coating.

While my invention or discovery relates particularly to the electro-deposition of chromium as such or on a surface, it is also applicable to the electro-cleaning of such a surface, whereby in certain cases my improved electrode is'made to serve as a cathode. Therefore my invention or discovery may be said to consist of a new and highly useful electrode that may be employed either as an anode or as a cathode.

Some of the useful characteristics of a silicon steel anode are as follows: it does not materially contaminate the electrolyte or cause it to deteriorate; it is easily kept clean;

it permits a higher current density to be used durin the process of electro-deposition be cause of its greater conductivity and tendency not to form insoluble films in contact with chromic acid.

The silicon content in the steel may be varied within comparatively wide limits. The best results that I have obtained have been with steel anodes having a silicon content of from 1% to 5%, although less than 1% of silicon will be found to be sufficient in many cases. So also a larger amount than 5% may be employed. I believe that as low a silicon content as and as high a silicon content as 15% will at times be found useful.

Anodes may take any desired form, they may Application filed. May 13, 1927. Serial No. 191,278.

be cast or rolled, or be of sheet material. I have found that excellent results may be obtained by making the anodes from sheet steel of about No. 24 gauge cut into strips and fastened to the anode bus bars of an electro-deposition apparatus in any suitable manner. However, I do not wish to limit myself to the particular form or style of the anode or the silicon content in the steel.

What I claim as new is set forth in the definitions of my invention or discovery constituting the appended claims. In said claims I use the expression electrodeposit'ion in the broad sense to cover both a deposit of tion.

' JULIUS BECKER. 

